Nova Scotia gets C+ in report on alcohol regulations
Posted Nov 3, 2015 06:52:40 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia gets a C+ when it comes to restaurant-friendly liquor policies, according to a new report from the restaurant industry.
The “Raise the Bar report,” by Restaurants Canada grades each province on its liquor regulations and policies.
The suds report notes Nova Scotia is on the right path, but it needs to keep going in that direction.
Licensees noted many of their customers are choosing to stay home to drink because of high prices, with 97 per cent of those surveyed wanting to see wholesale pricing.
72 per cent of those surveyed said the cost of beer, wine and spirits has had a negative impact on their business.
Luc Erjavec, VP Atlantic with Restaurants Canada, said the wholesale pricing model would help drive the industry here in the province, which he said is hindered by high costs and out-dated regulations.
“We want to see better pricing, better selections and more fair rules and regulations that achieve the aims of government in the industry, but also to get rid of the barriers to providing a better experience for our customers,” Erjavec said.
NSLC currently gives a 10 per cent discount on wine and spirits to licensees within the province, which is great according to Erjavec, but points out Nova Scotia currently has the highest HST in the country.
Restaurants Canada says the industry would benefit from the elimination of “dry regions” throughout the province, and the government should eliminate the dated law requiring a working kitchen in every establishment serving alcohol.
